Delayed Period After Depo Shot & Surgery: Possible Causes & Concerns

Question
Hi I have been o the shot for about a year and my last Depo shot was back in July and I still have no period. I had surgery in December and my body has been through a lot. I have a left true vocal cord paralysis, and can't eat or swallow. I was on a feeding tube for about a month. I also lost a lot of weight 23 pounds and was wondering if this can affect my period. It seems to be a long time for me not to have a period. My husband and I have unprotected sex and don't know if there is a possibility of me getting pregnant without a period.

Answer
Dear Maria,

All of the events you described can absolutely have an effect on your menstrual cycles. The Depo shot also can affect them. The effects of the Depo shot can actually linger in your system for up to several months.

You can conceive without having a period IF you are ovulating. You'd have to do some testing to see if you are ovulating.

If you are trying to conceive, then there is no harm in having the unprotected sex. However, if you do not want to get pregnant right now, you should use another form of birth control just to make sure in the event that you are ovulating.

I hope this information has helped you and answered your question. Be well!!

Brenda